USPEA Acknowledges the 2016 Adequan/FEI NAJYRC Management Team

Parker, Colorado – July 5, 2016 – With only weeks before the 2016 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships provided by Gotham North (NAJYRC) taking place at the Colorado Horse Park July 27-31, in Parker, Colorado, the Para-Equestrian Dressage Young Rider Team and Individual Championships were cancelled. Although there was a considerable number of United States athletes looking to make the trip to Colorado, following the close of the Nominate Entry, the FEI requirement of at least two National Federations represented with teams was not met in order to run the para-equestrian division of a Continental Championship. The USPEA would like to thank the NAJYRC show management, sponsors, supporters of our athletes, and show volunteers who worked hard to try and make the Para-Dressage competition happen. The NAJYRC is considered the Junior Olympics and is a 4* competition. In 2015, the U.S. Para-Dressage Team made history at the Inaugural Young Rider Para-Dressage competition when they dominated each of the three days.

Hope Hand of the USPEA commented, “We are very disappointed that we could not meet the criteria this year for many reasons beyond our control but we are thankful to the NAJYRC organizers for including us in this prestigious competition.”

Although the 2016 Para-Equestrian competition was cancelled, the Para-Dressage Young Riders look forward to participating in the NAJYRC in 2017.

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation board members, and equestrian enthusiasts. The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the para-equestrian umbrella.

The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport. This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage para-equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.

Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the para-equestrian discipline. From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved. From local horse shows to international Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and USEF which provides Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.

In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President Hope Hand by e-mail: hope@uspea.org or by phone: (610)356-6481.